Octant Douro

A private pier marks the edge of this contemporary resort, built into a forested hillside exactly 41 kilometers up the Douro from Porto, which is how it got its name. The 56 rooms and 5 suites lean modern and minimalist, softened by antique chandeliers and bursts of color. Two restaurants, an indoor-outdoor pool setup, a spa, and a wine bar fill the hours when the staff hasn't already booked you onto a sailboat or into a winery.